NESN Redefines Regional Sports Video Delivery with Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) announced that New England Sports Network (NESN) selected Harmonic as its enterprise technology partner, deployed via Astound Business Solutions, to modernize primary distribution for live sports on Oct. 15, 2025.
Key points: the solution will deliver pristine video to 4 million homes, uses XOS Advanced Media Processor with AI-driven EyeQ for up to 50% bitrate savings, supports up to 4K HDR, enables edge ad insertion via XOS Edge IRDs, and launched in two months. DMS X and ProStream X provide centralized management and SRT-based delivery.
- 4 million homes reachable via the new distribution platform
- Up to 50% bitrate savings from EyeQ content-aware encoding
- Supports 4K HDR formats for higher-quality streams
- Edge ad insertion via XOS Edge IRDs boosts ad monetization potential
- Two-month deployment timeframe completed with Astound
- None.
Insights
Harmonic's software distribution stack enables NESN to reach 4 million homes with improved quality and edge ad insertion.
Harmonic's XOS media processor, DMS X and ProStream X create a software-defined primary distribution chain. The stack reduces bandwidth needs via AI-powered EyeQ, supports up to 4K HDR, and uses SRT for reliable delivery to cable, telco and streaming affiliates.
Key dependencies include integration stability across managed IP and open internet paths and the edge IRDs performing localized ad insertion at scale without degrading video quality. Monitor operational metrics and ad-fill performance in the first months after launch, especially after the deployment window around
Edge ad insertion and bitrate savings create clearer paths to incremental monetization and lower transport cost.
By inserting ads at the edge with XOS Edge IRDs and centralized control via DMS X, NESN can localize spots for affiliates and potentially increase CPMs. The claimed
Risks include whether the edge ad workflow sustains fill rates and latency thresholds for live sports. Watch ad-fill percentage, average bitrate after EyeQ tuning, and affiliate error rates across the first 90 days for clear evidence of revenue uplift and cost savings.
Deployed by Astound Business Solutions, Harmonic's Primary Distribution Solution Ensures Outstanding Video Quality and Seamless Ad Insertion at the Edge
"Harmonic's XOS media processor provides us with a rock-solid, reliable foundation for distributing sports content to our affiliates," said Kenny Elcock, vice president of technology at NESN. "The software-based primary distribution solution has set us up for immediate success, while providing the flexibility to add new, advanced features in the future. Even better, the XOS solution features game-changing ad insertion capabilities at the edge, paving the way for exciting new revenue opportunities."
Harmonic's primary distribution solution enables NESN to securely distribute live sports content to a wide range of affiliates — including cable, telco and video streaming providers — over managed IP and open internet delivery networks. As part of the solution, Harmonic's XOS media processor ensures exceptional video quality for NESN. The XOS media processor offers up to
NESN is using Harmonic's XOS Edge IRDs to insert localized ads at the edge by leveraging the solution's playout-to-delivery capabilities. By processing ads closer to the viewer, NESN can enhance ad delivery efficiency and increase ad revenue.
Furthermore, Harmonic's DMS X solution for the XOS media processor provides efficient centralized management for ad insertion, program localization and remote playout; enables HTML graphics, clips and playlist insertion; and supports edge device monitoring, elevating primary distribution for NESN.
Harmonic's partner Astound Business Solutions ensured a smooth deployment, allowing NESN to launch its new primary distribution platform in just two months. Astound also provides NESN with its distribution network, end-to-end management of video services and continuous network monitoring to ensure operational success.
"NESN is one of the nation's top-rated regional sports networks, and we're proud of our partnership with them," said Gil Rudge, senior vice president, solutions and
Harmonic will showcase its primary distribution solution at NAB Show New York, Oct. 22-23 in booth 533. More information about Harmonic and the company's solutions is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
About Harmonic
Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at www.harmonicinc.com.
Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
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SOURCE Harmonic Inc.
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